Nova Scotia Real Estate Stats for October 2025: Market Transitions to Fall Rhythm

As autumn settles across Nova Scotia, the real estate market is showing clear seasonal patterns while maintaining the strength that has characterized the province’s housing sector over recent years. October 2025 data reveals a market finding its balance—less frenzied than summer, yet fundamentally robust with opportunities emerging for both buyers and sellers.

Average Days on Market Rises Seasonally

Nova Scotia Real Estate Average Days on Market October 2025

The average days on market jumped to 57.4 days in October 2025, a noticeable increase from the August and September lows of 39.2 and 42.2 days respectively. This uptick is consistent with the upward seasonal trend seen every autumn, as the urgency of summer buyers gives way to more deliberate fall decision-making.

Homes are taking longer to sell compared to the peak summer months, reflecting typical fall slowing and giving buyers more time to carefully evaluate properties and negotiate terms. This seasonal shift represents a return to more normalized market conditions rather than any fundamental weakness.

Prices Remain Elevated Despite Slower Pace

Nova Scotia Real Estate Average Price and number of units sold October 2025

Despite the seasonal cooling in activity, average home prices stayed high in October 2025, holding above $470,000. While slightly below the summer peak, this price point remains substantially higher than the winter and early spring ranges seen earlier in the year.

This price resilience points to ongoing demand and a market that remains fundamentally strong even as activity moderates. The fact that prices are maintaining their elevation while sales velocity slows suggests that sellers still hold considerable pricing power, though the balance is shifting modestly toward buyers.

Unit Sales Reflect Seasonal Slowdown

Unit sales in October declined from the summer peak, continuing the annual pattern where fall sees reduced buyer activity and fewer new listings versus the busy summer period. The number of homes sold remains solid, indicating a market that is not stalling but simply normalizing after the heated summer months.

This seasonal adjustment is healthy for the market, allowing inventory to accumulate and giving buyers more selection heading into the traditionally quieter winter period.

Value of Transactions Remains Substantial

Nova Scotia Real Estate Stata Value of Solds for October 2025

The total value of real estate transactions reached nearly $530 million in October, down from the all-time highs in July and August (over $680 million) but solidly above the winter lows seen earlier in the year. This metric confirms that even with fewer units changing hands and days on market rising, substantial dollar volume continues to transact in Nova Scotia real estate.

Market Context and Long-Term Trends

Year-over-year, Nova Scotia remains in a much stronger market position than several years ago, with average prices up more than 53% since 2021 and days on market now in a balanced, healthier range. The pandemic-era frenzy has given way to a more sustainable pace that benefits market stability.

The increased days on market and steady prices suggest a more balanced market, with neither buyers nor sellers holding overwhelming advantage. Properly priced, attractive homes continue to move, though at a less frenzied pace than in pandemic-driven years.

Inventory Distribution Across Price Tiers

“Luxury” $675,000 and up  Units: 1,818

“Move up” $475,000 – $674,999  Units: 2,980

“Starter” Up to $474,999  Units: 6,462

Nova Scotia Real Estate Stats October 2025 – Picture above shows the number of units sold from the last 12 months, not just October 2025

Current market inventory reflects a broad range of options for buyers at all price points:

Starter Homes (Under $474,999): With 6,462 listings, this segment makes up the largest share of available properties, providing substantial opportunities for first-time buyers and those seeking affordable options across rural, suburban, and tertiary Nova Scotia markets.

Move-Up Segment ($475,000 to $674,999): Accounting for 2,980 units, this mid-tier offering appeals to growing families and buyers seeking upgraded features, representing a substantial pipeline for repeat buyers.

Luxury Listings ($675,000 and above): At 1,818 properties, the high-end segment indicates healthy supply of premium homes, particularly clustered in urban centers and prestigious coastal areas where lifestyle and location command premium prices.

Geographic Distribution and Regional Insights

The market shows dense concentrations of inventory in the Halifax-Dartmouth region and along the South Shore, with diverse distribution patterns by price tier. High-value homes typically cluster in urban centers and desirable coastal locations, while starter homes are more broadly distributed, supporting accessibility for entry-level buyers throughout the province.

This diverse inventory profile indicates that Nova Scotia markets are accommodating all buyer types—from entry level to high-net-worth—helping maintain market momentum heading into winter.

Takeaway for Buyers and Sellers

For Buyers: Fall presents an opportunity to face less competition and gain more room for negotiation before the winter slowdown. However, selection may be slimmer than in spring or summer, so those ready to move should act while inventory remains relatively healthy.

For Sellers: Expect longer marketing times as the year closes, with the 57-day average representing the new norm for fall. However, strong pricing power remains compared to long-term averages, particularly for well-presented homes in desirable locations. Properties priced appropriately for current conditions will continue to attract serious buyers.

The Nova Scotia real estate market is transitioning into its seasonal rhythm—neither overheated nor stagnant, but finding a sustainable balance that should carry through the winter months and position the province well for the spring market ahead.